HOLD TIGHT

It is imperative that we remember precisely that to which we are holding tight in the spirit.  The wrong perspective or focus in this area exposes us to pursuits that will distort both our spiritual responsibility, as well as our reward.  The concept of holding tight to something is nothing new.  Every day we are confronted with threats to the things we value.  Some of these are overt, some covert, but, still, every day, we hold fast or hold tight to that which we perceive as essential to life and the pursuit of happiness.  Take a look at Hebrews 10:19-25:

19 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death,[b] Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

We have been given a tremendous gift.  The sacrifice of Jesus has opened to us a "new and life-giving way" of entering into the very presence of God.  Jesus has negotiated and formally established this blessing - personally paying the price for its permanence.  We have been encouraged to fully trust in Him.  We have been told to use this access-ability with a completely clean conscience - no guilt, no shame!  We have been made "most holy place" ready by Jesus' own blood.  Then comes the "hold tight" part.  We are told to "hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."  We are holding tightly to HOPE on behalf of a PROMISE.  

When the world or the enemy or just plain old life comes to challenge what we value in the spirit, we must remember that we are not contending for a product or a position, but for a promise.  God has declared an identity and an inheritance over us that cannot be threatened - not because of the strength of our grip, but because of the strength of His goodness.  When we realize that our hope is in the security of His promise and not in the specifics of the product, we will truly be free.  Once we are free, we can fulfill the cause of Christ outlined in verses 24 and 25:  

1. Creatively motivating powerful acts of love and kindness.
2. Gathering together, free from competition and strife.
3. Infusing one another with transforming courage and faith.

In this condition - holding fast to a promise, not grasping desperately after a product, we will find great peace and power.  We will walk clean.  And we will be a Church worthy of the harvest to which He has called us.  So, HOLD TIGHT, dear friends, for He is faithful!

Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta

Lead Pastor
Rivergate Church
Chris@WeAreRivergate.com

© 2016 Chris Liotta